The dynamic nature of mobile ad-hoc networking also imposes restriction on protocols specifically designed for them. Thus, industry and those of us in academia are studying protocols with the aim of achieving routing stability in future mobile ad-hoc networks.

In conclusion, several technical issues must be solved before mobile ad-hoc networks become more practical and commonplace. The routing problem must be solved dynamically as the nodes are mobile and thus the network topology may change frequently. Node mobility, battery power limitations, low bandwidth of the wireless links and their path loss characteristics make the solutions to these issues unique and interesting.

Dale Troppito and Dawna Paton are managing partners of the Gantry Group. Troppito has guided Gantry's rigorous ROI best practice models based on a 25-year career in the technology sector as a CEO, product development executive and chief marketing officer. You can reach her at dtroppito@gantrygroup.com. Paton believes that the technology leaders of the future will be those that understand the crucial role that a market-validated, value delivery strategy and compelling ROI play in shaping corporate competitiveness and customer satisfaction. You can reach her at dpaton@gantrygroup.com.